Instead of making a really detailed preview of each class I am
going to highlight my top two choices in each bracket, and highlight their path
to the Breslin Center.
Favorite: Milan
The Big Reds return 4 starters from the state championship team from last year, including two Division 1 players (Latin Davis and Nick Perkins). Even though Milan has lost two games this season, both have been to talented Class A squads. They are definitely on the tougher side of the bracket, but have enough fire power that they should be playing on March 28 for a chance to repeat.
Where they could stumble:
There are two very tough regionals on Milan’s half of the bracket. One will funnel into the Big Red’s quarterfinal, and the other will be in semis. The quarterfinal could potentially be a rematch of last season’s state final game (Benton Harbor) or any of 3 other talented teams (Otsego, Harper Creek, Dowagiac). If Milan is able to get through the Marshall quarterfinal they will likely meet the winner of Wayland and Wyoming Godwin Heights. My guess is that their toughest game will be in the semifinals.
Top Challenger: New Haven
The Rockets boast the tallest roster in the state which has led them to an undefeated (though relatively untested) record. New Haven has been led by protecting the rim and blocking 10+ shots per game. Since their schedule was not extremely difficult, it will be interesting to see how they respond to playing top level guards.
Favorite: Milan
The Big Reds return 4 starters from the state championship team from last year, including two Division 1 players (Latin Davis and Nick Perkins). Even though Milan has lost two games this season, both have been to talented Class A squads. They are definitely on the tougher side of the bracket, but have enough fire power that they should be playing on March 28 for a chance to repeat.
Where they could stumble:
There are two very tough regionals on Milan’s half of the bracket. One will funnel into the Big Red’s quarterfinal, and the other will be in semis. The quarterfinal could potentially be a rematch of last season’s state final game (Benton Harbor) or any of 3 other talented teams (Otsego, Harper Creek, Dowagiac). If Milan is able to get through the Marshall quarterfinal they will likely meet the winner of Wayland and Wyoming Godwin Heights. My guess is that their toughest game will be in the semifinals.
Top Challenger: New Haven
The Rockets boast the tallest roster in the state which has led them to an undefeated (though relatively untested) record. New Haven has been led by protecting the rim and blocking 10+ shots per game. Since their schedule was not extremely difficult, it will be interesting to see how they respond to playing top level guards.
Where they could stumble:
As I mentioned earlier, tough guard play will be a drastic style difference from the Rockets scheme, and their first major test falls right into this definition. New Haven will likely play Yale in the Regional Semifinal (which is also played at Yale). The Bulldogs are led by 6’1” shooter Josh McClelland, 6’0” Cody Kegley, and 6’4” Austin Genther.
Player to Watch:
Latin Davis, Milan, had his coming out party last year on the biggest stage. He played his best game of the season to clinch a state championship for the Big Reds. While he hasn’t been able to duplicate that performance every night this season (which cannot be expected since last March was something special) he is the most polished guard in the state this season and has multiple ways to beat the opposition.
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